Historic Fundraising at U-M Congressional Breakfast: A Record-Breaking Success
The University of Michigan’s 75th annual Congressional Breakfast in Washington, D.C., marked a historic moment by raising over $147,000 for the Samuel L. Chappell Family Scholarship. This fundraiser, held on February 25, achieved the highest amount in the event’s seventy-year history, benefiting the U-M Alumni Club of Washington, D.C.’s scholarship program for local students.
Gathering nearly 350 individuals, including alumni, students, faculty, staff, and policymakers, the breakfast served as a platform to celebrate the U-M community. It also strengthened ties between the university and federal policymakers, emphasizing U-M’s significant contributions to education, research, and public service on a national scale.
Distinguished speakers included U-M President Domenico Grasso, Alumni Association President and CEO Ayanna McConnell, and U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., who delivered the keynote address.
In his speech, Grasso expressed optimism about the university’s future as he prepared to step down from his role. “I’m excited and optimistic about what comes next for Michigan. I feel very good about the university as I prepare to leave,” he said. Grasso highlighted U-M’s ambition to be recognized globally, “We want Michigan to aspire to be the best university in the world, working forever in the public interest.”
Grasso also articulated U-M’s commitment to redefining higher education’s role in society, saying, “Today, the University of Michigan is more committed than ever to providing an exceptional education for students, while improving our state, nation and world through discovery, innovation and service.”
McConnell focused on the significant achievements of U-M alumni worldwide and the support extended to Michigan in Washington Program students. She emphasized how alumni-funded scholarships enhance educational access for students from the D.C. area.
Established in 1998, the Samuel L. Chappell Family Scholarship reflects the enduring dedication of the alumni community to expand educational opportunities and boost U-M’s impact.
In her keynote, McClain emphasized the critical role of U-M’s research initiatives in fostering innovation, economic growth, and maintaining the nation’s leadership in science and technology. “This breakfast is about more than just a 75-year tradition; it’s about fueling the next breakthrough in medicine, the next advances in artificial intelligence, and the next generation of public servants and leaders in business, law and research,” she remarked.
The event also drew numerous congressional members, such as Democratic Sens. Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin, along with Reps. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor; Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids; and Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte. Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, and Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., were in attendance as well.
Home to more than 21,000 U-M alumni, including over 3,600 Alumni Association members, the D.C. region continues to bolster U-M’s influence in the capital. Beyond the breakfast, the club organizes various opportunities for professional, cultural, and service engagement, including greeting Michigan-based veterans and hosting community service events such as an annual Thanksgiving meal at the Armed Forces Retirement Home.
Through their efforts in scholarships, service, and advocacy, U-M alumni in Washington ensure the university’s mission is carried forward, extending its reach far beyond the Ann Arbor campus.
